We are excited to announce that Velocity Academy is extending its partnership with Hitachi Rail by enrolling additional cohorts on the Level 3 Information Communication Technician and Level 4 Network Engineer apprenticeship programmes. This expansion reflects shared confidence in the power of apprenticeships to build future-ready talent and in Velocity Academy’s ability to deliver high-quality training aligned with industry needs.
Hitachi Rail are a global leader in integrated rail solutions — designing, manufacturing, and maintaining advanced rail networks, rolling stock, digital systems, and infrastructure. Based in multiple countries, including a significant presence in the UK at its state-of-the-art facility in Newton Aycliffe, Hitachi combines cutting-edge engineering with a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and workforce development.
Apprenticeships are central to Hitachi Rail’s strategy for growing internal capability and retaining skilled talent. Their Early Careers programmes include apprenticeships that blend on-the-job training, formal assessments, and support from experienced mentors and training providers. For example, Hitachi offers roles across engineering, digital systems, and operations, enabling apprentices to rotate through different teams, work on live projects, and develop both technical skills and interpersonal competencies.
In the UK specifically, Hitachi Rail has invested heavily in its Newton Aycliffe facility — including major capital investment and an upskilling programme for apprentices and staff. The company has introduced bespoke programmes such as an eight-week initial training period for apprentices to gain welding certification and other specialist qualifications. Over the years, it has employed dozens of apprentices in their manufacturing and maintenance operations, building infrastructure and internal expertise.
By enrolling new cohorts in the Level 3 Information Communication Technician and Level 4 Network Engineer standards, the Hitachi stand to gain several important benefits:
Growing Technical Depth
Apprentices trained under these standards will develop solid foundations in communication technologies, networking, hardware and software integration, and network engineering principles. This adds depth to the workforce, enabling Hitachi to deliver complex digital and infrastructure projects with greater internal expertise.
Enhanced Productivity and Innovation
Apprentices bring fresh perspectives. Under guided learning, they can help adopt new tools, implement best-practice processes, and work on innovations in systems engineering. This complements Hitachi’s ongoing drive toward advanced, sustainable mobility solutions.
Workforce Sustainability & Career Progression
These apprenticeships provide structured, recognised career paths. Apprentices gain qualifications that allow them to progress into more senior technical or leadership roles, which supports retention and long-term staff development. Hitachi has already demonstrated this through success stories like apprentices advancing into management positions.
Cost Effectiveness & Reduced Dependency
By developing talent in-house, Hitachi reduces reliance on external contractors or specialist consultants. Over time, this saves cost and ensures knowledge and skills are embedded within the organisation.
Aligning with Strategic Goals
With Hitachi’s mission of innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation, increased technical capability at Level 3 and Level 4 helps deliver these strategic goals. Apprenticeships in ICT and networking support digital infrastructure, operational efficiency, and resilience.
Velocity Academy is proud to continue working with Hitachi Rail, supporting new cohorts that will benefit from our tailored teaching, strong industry alignment, and practical, hands-on learning. Through this extension, we look forward to seeing more apprentices thrive, building strong careers, and contributing to Hitachi Rail’s vision of sustainable, innovative rail solutions.
I have loved every part of my Marketing apprenticeship with Velocity Academy. Paired with hands on experience at JCB, a leading construction and agricultural equipment manufacture and the outmatched guidance from the Velocity team, I achieved a distinction for this course.
We have chosen to continue, and expand, our partnership with Velocity Academy due to outstanding working relationship we’ve built together. From the very beginning, Velocity have shown exceptional flexibility in accommodating our evolving requirements, often going above and beyond to tailor their delivery to our operational needs, always putting the wellbeing of the learners first. Velocity Academy have delivered consistent quality in both teaching and customer services (namely Lee and Emma) making them a trusted partner in delivering apprenticeships to our employees.
My experience with Graham at Velocity Academy has been nothing short of exceptional. His professionalism, expertise, and commitment to finding the right apprentices have been very impressive.
Once the candidates were selected, the transition to getting them on board was remarkably quick and seamless. Graham efficiently handled all the necessary paperwork and administrative tasks, making the onboarding process hassle-free.
I would recommend their services to anyone in search of apprentices who will make a positive impact on their business. Our apprentices are excelling in their roles and continuously developing their skills.
Velocity Academy sourced a fantastic Apprentice Developer on our behalf and we couldn’t have been happier with the service. Regular check-ins, guidance and support from the start and genuine care were put into the recruitment process from Velocity, which meant they came up trumps with a cracking candidate. They have been outstanding. Thanks Velocity!
